It is frequently asserted that urbanisation levels are rising faster in sub-Saharan Africa than anywhere else in the world. In the latest Counterpoint from Africa Research Institute, “Whatever happened to Africa’s rapid urbanisation?”, Dr. Deborah Potts presents evidence to show...

African governments, policymakers and international donors need to acknowledge fundamental changes in urbanisation trends and respond to the messages imparted about employment, incomes and economic development.

It is widely believed that urbanisation is occurring faster in sub-Saharan Africa than anywhere else in the world, as migrants move from rural to urban settlements. This is a fallacy. While the populations of numerous urban areas are growing rapidly, the urbanisation levels of...